NAUGHTY dogs that chew furniture are being sought for service in Afghanistan.

A security firm that provides bomb search dogs to guard coalition forces is looking for new recruits.

But owners looking to find a new home for their troublesome pet need not worry about its welfare overseas.

“The dogs have veterinary support supplied by the US military, which is 100% no expense spared,” said Simon Mallin, of Cardiff-based Malpeet K9 Security.

Mr Mallin told the Echo “totally bonkers”, excitable, even naughty dogs who have too much energy and chew the furniture are ideally suited for the taxing training and conditions in the war zone.

He said dogs that love to chase a tennis ball can be trained to seek out hidden explosives, including roadside bombs, as they will do it all for the reward of getting their ball.

Dogs trained by Mr Mallin, 41, a former corporal with the Army dog unit in Northern Ireland, go to work for private firms that work very closely with the armed forces on reconstruction projects across Afghanistan.

They work on vehicle check points, search vehicles entering secure compounds and also check roads for the IEDs (improvised explosive devices), which have caused the deaths of many soldiers.

“If anyone thinks their dog is suitable, we would come to their home to assess the dog,” said Mr Mallin.

“We prefer dogs rather than bitches and no older than three years. We are not concerned with pedigree papers, only that they are suitable for the job. Cocker spaniels, springer spaniels, labradors, collies or even cross-breeds are suitable.”

If possible, the dogs will be taken for a two week trial at a South Wales training centre and then handed back to their owner if not found to be suitable.

If their owner signs them over to Malpeet K9 Security, the dogs will complete an initial six to eight-week training period and will then be deployed to Afghanistan, another overseas project or possibly team up with UK-based handlers who guard events and facilities in this country.

“That said our priority is the Afghanistan project,” said Mr Mallin. “I am aiming to train 10 dogs in total, with six deploying to Afghanistan in late November or early December.

“Once the dogs land in Kabul they are teamed with handlers, who are mostly local, and supervised and trained by former British military dog handlers.

“Of course there is a risk element for the dogs, the same as there is for troops and security contractors. That said, they are performing a vital role.

“A dog’s working life can be up to 10 years of age, but every dog is different.

“We always work in conjunction with our clients to find suitable retirement homes for the dogs either overseas or back in the UK.”